Country artist Carly Pearce recently opened up about the behind-the-scenes experience of filming her duet music video with Riley Green for their track “If I Don’t Leave I’m Gonna Stay.” She candidly described the initial awkwardness they faced while shooting close, romantic scenes together.
Pearce, 36, explained that despite her friendship with Green, stepping into intimate moments on camera was unexpectedly challenging. She humorously recalled the discomfort of feeling Green’s mustache brush against her lip during their first takes, which contributed to her seeking a way to ease the tension before continuing.
The video shoot began on a Tuesday afternoon with little time for warm-up, as the production team urged them to dive straight into the emotionally charged scenes. Pearce admitted that she needed some extra calm to handle the situation, and both performers found the early moments rather strange, sharing laughter about acting so closely in front of the crew.
As filming progressed, their comfort level grew naturally, and their on-screen chemistry became more genuine. Pearce noted that by the end of the day, she felt relaxed and confident in front of the camera. There were only a couple of times when they broke character due to uncontrollable laughter, which added an authentic feel to their performance.
The music video has resonated strongly with fans, amassing over 1.2 million views since its release. The song itself achieved notable chart success, reaching number 17 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100, number 33 on Country Airplay, and number 40 on Hot Country Songs.
This glimpse into the filming process reveals how artists sometimes rely on small personal rituals to bring sincerity and emotion to vulnerable scenes. Pearce’s honesty provides a relatable side to the polished image often seen in country music videos, reminding audiences that even experienced performers encounter moments of nervousness.
Ultimately, Pearce’s reflection highlights not only the challenges of shooting intimate duet videos but also celebrates the genuine connections that emerge through creative collaboration.
